STEM
FOR BRITAIN
Exhibition of Posters by early-career research scientists, engineers and mathematicians.
2021
Who can apply to present a poster? What is meant by early-career researchers?
Poster presenters are in the early part of their careers- MSc, PhD, Post Docs, Research Assistants or Fellows, recently-appointed lecturers, part-time and “mature” students and their equivalents in national, public sector and industrial laboratories, or companies. The event is not appropriate for undergraduate students. We welcome returners, and those starting a second career – age is unimportant.
What is meant by a "newly-appointed lecturer"?
“Newly-appointed lecturers” are those who have been appointed within the last 2 years maximum
Can non British researchers apply?
Applicants do not have to be British, but must be working in the UK. Clearly some work (especially field work) may have been carried out overseas.
Can I apply again if I have previously been selected to attend a STEM for BRITAIN event?
No
Can I apply again, if I have previously been unsuccessful?
Yes
Can I apply for more than one subject category?
No
May I name my supervisor / co workers on my Abstract / Poster?
Yes, but you need to make clear your personal contribution. Only one person may present.
What should the Abstract contain?
Describe the problem and its significance (potential impact).
Describe the experimental method(s) – briefly.
Describe the achievements so far.
Who is the target audience for the abstract?
The abstract judges are all scientists and engineers and will be selecting on the basis of good science and engineering so we would recommend your abstract could be more technical in nature whilst the final poster should be more aimed at the interested person in the street.
Can I submit more than one Abstract?
No
How long should the Abstract be?
One page of A4 is the maximum. It must contain:
A title
Name of presenter/co workers
Affiliation/Complete Address/Postcode
Can I include figures and tables in the abstract?
Yes, you may include tables, graphs, diagrams, images, etc. in your abstract but be aware this will reduce the amount of space available for text.
Are bibliographic references required?
No, though they may be included. However, we suggest the space might be better used.
Can Abstracts be altered?
You can upload a revised version at any time before the closing date. It will replace the previous version.
I cannot submit my Abstract without it first being approved by my employer, and it may not get clearance before the closing date - what do I do?
Please contact us well before the closing date if you expect your abstract will be delayed.
When should the Reference be provided?
At the same time as your Application form is completed and your scientific Abstract provided; it is an essential part of the application process. We suggest you contact your referee as soon as you decide to make an application.
What should the Reference contain?
Your referee should know you well and be in a position to give his/her opinion of you as a scientist and comment on your input (theoretical and practical) to the work being submitted. They may wish to make other points about your previous achievements and future promise. We recognize that much research is collaborative, but our judges need to be clear about your unique input.
Who should provide the Reference?
References should be in an official format and come from a university or organisation address. Referees are usually senior colleagues, supervisors, Heads of Department, or similar.
Will there be any feedback?
Sorry, we are not able to provide this.
When are the posters/videos required?
If you are selected, we ask you to submit the poster and presentation electronically two weeks before the event, to give the judges more time to consider it. On the day you must also bring a hard copy of the poster for display.
What audience should the posters/videos be targeted at?
Your poster and presentation should describe your work in terms intelligible to an interested lay person. We STRONGLY advise that you do NOT use a poster which has been presented at a meeting of a Learned Society; this is not the level we are seeking. On the day the judges will visit the posters and engage you in conversation. They will now be looking for enthusiasm, clarity, and brevity as well as scientific excellence.
What size and format should the posters be in?
They must be portrait (not landscape) and fit onto the poster boards (2m high x 0.75m wide) and be in proportion – A1 size in portrait format would be appropriate.
What format should the video be?
This year we are asking you to submit a narrated poster presentation alongside your poster. This presentation will give you the opportunity to present the different aspects of your poster. The presentation should last a maximum of 3 minutes. An example of a narrated poster can be found from a meeting of the Physiological Society here (click on Narrated Poster for the example).
Can I bring any other material/equipment/visual aids?
Sadly, lack of space does not permit this.
May I bring a colleague/supervisor/relative to the event?
Space is very limited at the venue and we cannot guarantee access for accompanying persons unless there are exceptional circumstances (please contact us). Colleagues or friends who travel to the event will not be allowed in unless their attendance has been previously approved by the organisers.
What happens if I cannot attend or another colleague wishes to take my place?
No substitutes will be allowed; the individual who submits the entry must be the person who presents the poster, and the deadline for that decision is the closing date for entries. Please let us know as soon as possible if you cannot attend, we have people in reserve wishing to come along.
Is financial support available for travel or accommodation?
Sorry, we are not able to help with this.
What will happen if the event cannot go ahead in the Houses of Parliament?
We very much hope we will be able to hold the event in Parliament. However, if this is not possible, we will revert to the online format used successfully in 2021. Subject judging sessions will be held online with the top 10 finalists in each subject category in the week preceding the event (w/c 28 February 2022) and the winners ceremony will be held online on 7 March 2022.